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Similar to the UCAS personal statement, the LPC personal statement is all about why you, why them. So ask yourself, what is your career goal and what do you know about their Legal Practice Course?
Don’t forget that an LPC helps you develop the legal skills and knowledge to become a successful trainee and future solicitor. So it is important to convince the providers that you know you are applying for the right course.
It might seem obvious to begin your LPC personal statement by saying, “I am applying for the Legal Practice Course because I want to become a solicitor.” Not only is it a simple and effective opening statement, it makes you seem career-focused. However, you can also tell a short biographical story that led your decision to pursue a career in law. Then, tie it in with the relevant skills that you have developed during your LLB or GDL to show that you know what the course entails. This can also be a great way to showcase your achievements at university.
For example, “During my LLB, I have learned through extra-curricular activities, such as the Client Interviewing Competition, to conduct legal research effectively.” If you haven’t participated in the competition, don’t worry, you can also use any mooting experience or even a course assignment as examples.
If you have done some vacation schemes and you are applying for an LPC to further develop those skills, great – put that in! Alternatively, you can describe a part-time job where you have developed skills (e.g. time-management skills) that all law firms value.
Likewise, if you are making a career change, you can discuss transferable skills that you have developed from your previous career path that might be relevant to a career in law (e.g. customer service skills).
Did you know that different LPC providers offer different electives that form “stage two” of the course? You might want to become a commercial solicitor or an employment solicitor, and the modules offered on the course would allow you to study a specific practice area. So, what is it that you see yourself potentially practising in, and why?
Even though you are sending the same LPC personal statement to all three choices of providers, you can still mention some of the common things that they have to offer. You can talk about the benefits of their locations, e.g. studying in the city gives you easy access to gaining work experience in national and international law firms, or mentoring schemes – many providers offer mentoring schemes where they connect you to a qualified solicitor for advice and support alongside your LPC.
On the other hand, if you are applying to one LPC provider only (maybe because you went there for your LLB/GDL), you can simply put reasons such as their teaching and support in which you have found very beneficial and provides you a sense of familiarity. You may also consider mentioning research facilities such as a research centre that you would like to use whilst studying your LPC.
Ultimately, it is all about expressing your interest in the provider. It might just be one or two reasons, enough to attract you to studying there.
When applying for a training contract, firms often ask about your interests and hobbies, and any life experiences that may be relevant to a law career. Hobbies such as sports show that you as a team player, which is an essential skill a lawyer need to have to be successful.
Meanwhile, any relevant life experiences that you have been through can show how resilient you are. This is also a personal attribute that many firms look for in a trainee candidate. Include these in your LPC personal statement and you will make the perfect LPC candidate.
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